Oil majors remain silent on final investment decisions in Namibia despite government hopes
via The Namibian3 min read
Despite Namibia's target of achieving its first oil production by 2030, major oil companies have not yet announced final investment decisions FIDs for projects in the country. A FID is a critical point where project owners approve funding and sanction construction, signifying confidence in profitability and the start of significant capital spending. Petroleum commissioner Maggy Shino stated that the government's priorities have shifted from "first oil" to building a sustainable environment for the sector, and they hope companies will make FIDs in 2026. However, she did not confirm if the 2030 production target remains. Rhino Resources chief executive Travis Smithhard confirmed the company will drill its first appraisal well soon, and Chevron's Namibia country manager Beatrice Bienvenu announced a new well drilling by mid-2026. Total Energies senior vice president for Africa Mike Sangster is awaiting a decision from the Namibian Competition Commission regarding a 40% acquisition of a stake in one of Galp's oil blocks. ReconAfrica vice president Robert Mwancachilenga highlighted that policy certainty is crucial for companies to invest billions, noting that political environments and regime changes can create uncertainty that delays FIDs. Geologist Yuri Perez pointed out that Namibia's policy on flaring, given the high oil-to-gas ratio in its fields, is a challenge. The lack of clarity on whether flaring will be allowed or if gas must be reinjected increases costs and makes the
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadOpposition parties in Namibia are raising concerns about the nomination of Electoral Commission of Namibia ECN commissioner Gerson Sindano to become the commission's next chairperson. They argue that his past ties to the Swapo party, including a previous role as personal assistant to former Swapo secretary general Nangolo Mbumba in 2013, undermine his perceived impartiality. Sindano's current term ends on 21 June 2027, but he has been nominated by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to replace current chairperson Elsie Nghikembua. National Democratic Party president Martin Lukato stated that while Sindano's academic and professional credentials are not in question, he cannot approve a candidate whose impartiality might be affected by party loyalty, suggesting he would only support Sindano if he publicly renounced his Swapo membership. The Landless People鈥檚 Movement and All People鈥檚 Party also expressed concerns about the transparency of the nomination process, demanding the release of interview minutes and score sheets. Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda has approached the High Court for these documents. Conversely, parliamentary standing committee on constitutional and legal affairs chairperson Pohamba Shifeta defended the process, stating all legal procedures were followed. A former student of Sindano, Patrick Kashera, also defended him, urging objective assessment over partisan considerations.
Namibia secured its first victory at the Billie Jean King Cup in Gaborone, beating Burundi 3-0 in the Group III Africa category. In singles matches, Joanivia Bezuidenhout defeated Marie Celia Kezakimana 6-1, 6-1, and Mari van Schalkwyk came from behind to beat Ange Ishimwe 4-6, 6-1, 6-1. The doubles team of Riekie Honiball and Taimi Nashiku then triumphed over Kezakimana and Ndayizeye Anastasia 6-1, 7-5. Previously, Namibia had lost 3-0 to Nigeria and 3-0 to Madagascar. Namibia will now compete for the 7th to 9th play-off positions against Ghana and Cameroon in the Billie Jean King Cup, which is the premier international team competition in women's tennis.
The Namibia Football Association's NFA ambition to co-host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations Afcon is contingent on a formal commitment from the Namibian government. NFA secretary general Mabos Vries stated that government support is crucial for the bid, particularly regarding the readiness of football stadiums by 2028. This follows an invitation from the Confederation of African Football CAF for Namibia to join a regional bid, potentially alongside South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Vries clarified that this co-hosting project is a distinct, long-term investment and should not be confused with operational funding for football. While Namibia meets several CAF infrastructure requirements, the main challenge is securing a CAF-compliant stadium. Vries noted that government plans to renovate Independence Stadium indicate ongoing efforts, but a firm commitment is still needed. The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture has allocated N$60 million for Independence Stadium upgrades and N$23.6 million for other sport facility construction and rehabilitation, including a national high-performance centre at the University of Namibia. However, Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister of sport Bertha Nghifikwa-Kambonde warned that recent funding cuts for sport bodies could jeopardize Namibia's Afcon bid and harm the country's sporting reputation.